A legal scholar and human rights specialist has been nominated to become the next vice-chancellor of Cambridge University .

Today the university announced Professor Stephen Toope has been selected to take over from immunologist Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, who has held the role since 2010.

Subject to the approval of the Regent House, the university's governing body, he will take up the role on 1 October 2017, making him Cambridge's 346th vice-chancellor.

A graduate of Trinity College Cambridge, he is currently director of the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs, and formerly served as president and vice-chancellor of the University of British Columbia.

As vice-chancellor he will serve a minimum of five years, earning a six-figure annual salary and gaining use of the vice-chancellor's official residence on Latham Road.

Last year Sir Leszek earned £325,000, more than £50,000 higher than the average vice-chancellor's wage.

Prof Toope is a scholar specialising in human rights, international dispute resolution, international environmental law, the use of force, and international legal theory with degrees in common law.

He completed his PhD at Trinity in 1987, after graduating from Harvard with a degree in history and literature.

He has published articles and books on change in international law, and the origins of international obligation in international society.

He also also represented Western Europe and North America on the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances from 2002-2007.

The university has carried out an international search for Prof Borysiewicz's replacement, led by the master of Jesus College, Professor Ian White.

Prof Toope was selected from an initial list of 116 names, from which a long-list of seven men and three women were invited for further discussion in Cambridge.

He said: “This nomination builds on seven years of Sir Leszek's visionary leadership. Professor Toope has impeccable academic credentials, a longstanding involvement with higher education, strong leadership experience and an excellent research background."

Current Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz said: “We are delighted to be welcoming a distinguished leader with such an outstanding record as a scholar and educator to lead Cambridge."

Professor Toope said: “I am thrilled to be returning to this great university. I look forward to working with staff and students in the pursuit of academic excellence and tremendous international engagement – the very mark of Cambridge."

What is a vice-chancellor?

The vice-chancellor is nominated by the university council and appointed by more than 4,500 members of the Regent House.

The office is held for up to seven years and cannot be held along with the headship of a college, or any other university office.

As vice-chancellor Prof Toope will chair the council of the university, the general board of the faculties and the finance committee of the council.

He will also play a leading role in recruiting senior staff and in ensuring the university remains on a sound financial footing in order to achieve its aims.

The vice-chancellor also works with other key figures around the university, and fulfils several important ceremonial duties.

Beyond Cambridge, the vice-chancellor represents the university to governments in the UK and overseas, and serves on many national and international bodies.

He or she is assisted by five pro-vice-chancellors, each of whom has portfolios in areas such as resource management, research and education.